What Is Bethlehem?
What Is Bethlehem? Bethlehem is the small Judean town where Jesus Christ was born, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would come from David's city.
Key verse: Micah 5:2 (KJV)
Bethlehem is the small Judean town where Jesus Christ was born, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would come from David's city.
Bethlehem is the small Judean town where Jesus Christ was born, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would come from David's city.
"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." — Micah 5:2 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Bethlehem, meaning 'house of bread,' lies about six miles south of Jerusalem. It was the hometown of King David and the place where the prophet Micah foretold the Messiah's birth. When Joseph and Mary traveled there for the census decreed by Caesar Augustus, 'she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.' The shepherds heard the angels' announcement there, and the wise men followed the star to worship the newborn King. Bethlehem's significance is eternal: the Bread of Life was born in the house of bread. Though small and humble, this village became the most famous birthplace in history, and its name is sung in every language at Christmas.
Key Scripture References
"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting."
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem."
"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is the Nativity?
The nativity is the account of Jesus' birth — the virgin conception, the journey to Bethlehem, and the worship of shepherds and wise men.
Who Was Herod the Great?
Herod the Great was the Roman-appointed king of Judea who ordered the massacre of the infants in Bethlehem in his attempt to kill the infant Jesus.
What Is Nazareth?
Nazareth was the Galilean village where Jesus grew up — so obscure that Nathanael once asked, 'Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?''
What Is the Significance of the Mount of Olives?
The Mount of Olives is a ridge east of Jerusalem deeply tied to Jesus' final week, His ascension, and His promised return.
What Is Gethsemane?
Gethsemane is the garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives where Jesus prayed in agony the night before His crucifixion and was betrayed by Judas.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Bethlehem in the Bible
Birthplace of King David and Jesus Christ — the city of the promised Messiah.
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Micah. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Micah on day 207 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Is Bethlehem?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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